estdeus_innobis | No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.

I've not smoked any opium since that last time with Dorian and perhaps I shouldn't have this time. The whys of it escape me right now before I'm overcome with an uncharacteristic bout of giggles. Damn dragon... I swear it chased me this time, and then sat on me for good measure.

Picturing Lucien's contortionist, I'm struck with a funny thought regarding one of my cousins. Perhaps it was the other one and before I know it, I'm saying all of it, stumbling along with Lucien as I try to regale him in my disjointed way.

"You are an absolute mess, do you know that?"

"I'm a mess?" There's another fit of snorting giggles and I'm nodding as he adds, "Granted, I am an absolute mess too." Fate must agree because we stumble again, barely keeping our balance for the moment.

I glance at the rushing river before saying, "It would suck to drown, Lucien. If anything's likely to piss off Glass, it would be that." I give him a silly half-grin, adding, "I think she'd miss you too."

"We are never telling Glass about this, right?"

Chuckling madly, I ask, "Which part? Almost falling in the river?" I nod much more vigorously than I intended before continuing brightly, "Your secret's safe with me." I blink, attempting to recall whatever else might upset her. "The contortionist was interesting but since Glass is unlikely to come looking for me on her own, I doubt she'll ever know." I poke him in the ribs, amused as I add, "Unless you tell her yourself, of course."

I lean on him, he leans on me and between the two of us, we're actually still standing. Good for us, and I giggle before frowning. Damn opium... "So where to now? Surely that can't be the only fun to be had, not even in a town as small as this one."

Stumbling, bumbling and laughing... that's us. Hopefully we won't add soggy to that list.

"It would suck to drown, Lucien. If anything's likely to piss off Glass, it would be that. I think she'd miss you too."

I can picture Glass standing over our dead corpses, muttering in Welsh under her breath and giving us nasty looks... it sets me to laughing all over again. "More likely she'd be pissed about double the work and having to take on both our sins at once. The horror... the horror..."

"Which part? Almost falling in the river?" I manage to give him an incredulous look. "You're a fuckin' loon, Iago." But there's no malice in my condemnation. He's nodding his head, and it reminds me of one of the prizes over at the games, a little dog that's head bobs up and down. Now that I've got that image in my head, there's no getting rid of it. I am giggling even as he swears my secrets are safe as long as I keep my mouth shut.

"No worries there. Doctor-patient privi-- priva--- confi---" Shit, long words do not like my mouth right now. "I can't tell her anything because you're my patient. Hey, in some circles, it's medicinal." That's our story and we're sticking to it.

"So where to now? Surely that can't be the only fun to be had, not even in a town as small as this one."

We're barely standing and he wants to keep going??? Oh for fuck's sake.

"Fun that won't get us into trouble or wreck my already bad repu--- repu--- my already bad image?" Shake my head. "Sorry, mate. I kinda wanna keep my job." Look around...

Damn it's dark out here. Why didn't we take the main road? Oh right... that bad image thing.

"Why don't we try for either my place or yours. 'M sure we both have booze."

"More likely she'd be pissed about double the work and having to take on both our sins at once. The horror... the horror..."

The thought gives me a snorting laugh and I shake my head. "Quite true. She does so hate messes." He calls me a loon and that sets off the laughter again. He giggles and the notion of badass Lucien giggling, well, that enough to send me into another fit of mad chuckles.

He looks rather sincere as he continues, "No worries there. Doctor-patient privi-- priva--- confi---" I swallow another bit of laughter as I try to give him an encouraging look. "I can't tell her anything because you're my patient. Hey, in some circles, it's medicinal."

Pleased as punch-drunk-punch, I grin. "I like your kind of medicine, Lucien. Very much so," and I laugh again. I ask where we're going next and he suggests not ruining his reputation. Spoilsport. "Fine. If we must behave, then I suppose we'll have to." I try not to pout through my amusement before considering his question.

I try to focus and place our location. "I think we're closer to your place. As long as you have enough booze for the two of us, I'm all for it." I chuckle. "I could use another drink anyway." I think I'm actually too drunk for another drink but that's never stopped me before. It won't tonight either. "I'm trying to forget all my troubles, remember?"

yeah, we're wrecked. At least I'm aware of it? That's good. That means I'm not as bad off... or my paranoia is keeping me slightly more alert. Maybe a combination of that and Verdi resetting my clock, as it were.

"I like your kind of medicine, Lucien. Very much so," Laugh, and shake my head. "It's all about knowing your patient. Once you know the malady, you can find the right course of treatment."

"Fine. If we must behave, then I suppose we'll have to."

"It's not a want, more of a necessary evil. That and..." Eyes dart around, searching the darkness. He rambles on, and figures my place is closer. Good, whatever. "I've got booze enough for the night." I assure him, and try to move us a bit quicker. "You know, for a skinny fuck, you are quite the lump to keep moving." I mutter, hoping the sheer will I have to get my somewhat addled brain to clear will work.

"I'm trying to forget all my troubles, remember?"

We're moving slightly better now, so I allow myself to relax a tiny bit. "I am sure we can find some more diversions to make you forget your troubles. I seem to always fall into it, so you can laugh at my misfortune. Hey! Maybe Lannie will be there and we can re-negotiate her dowry..."

He promises more booze at his place and I'm happy to follow him to where ever his liquor cabinet is located. As for being a skinny fuck, I laugh and say, "Now that I know there's more liquor to be had, I'll do my best to speed up." Forgetting my troubles would be good and I tell him so. He promises more fun, appealing to my mischievous streak.

"Lannie? That would be outstanding. I've not seen her in quite a while." Arching an eyebrow, I ask, "Are you and Lannie shacking up? Negotiations are definitively in order. She's not going to be young forever." I laugh, wishing she were here to hear it. She'd likely growl at me, the unruly puppy. I grin and continue, "I'm glad to hear she's back though."

My grin sharpens and I say, "Did I tell you about my recent encounter with Jarmyn? Surely you've already heard. Doesn't the local grapevine stroll through your office everyday?"

Oh shit... did I forget to tell Iago that Lannie I were...

Suppose I did.

"Lannie and I shacked up. I mean, she was staying there, and we were trying to share that bed anyway..." I might be grinning. I might be grinning like a dopey teenager. "Yeah, she's back. Probably be happy to see your ugly mug too." Okay, the bend in the river means we're about two-thirds of the way back to my place. Good.

"Did I tell you about my recent encounter with Jarmyn? Surely you've already heard. Doesn't the local grapevine stroll through your office everyday?"

Can't help but give an evil little snicker at that. "Every other day. Either Wanda swings by or I go there for lunch. I just don't like the fellow, but she takes delight in his tripping over his own tongue. You know she went to the Whitechapel to chew him out---"

There's the sound of a twig snapping from behind us, and I stop and my head spins around. Unfortunately, due to the opium and drink, my vision takes about three seconds to catch up to my actual eyesight. Damn, I hate being slightly impared.

"Hear that?"

From the grin on his face, I'd say that he and Lannie were quite pleased to share a bed. I giggle. "Good luck with that, and she'd better be. There's no one like me. I'll have to remind her of such," I add with another giggle.

I ask about whether he's heard from the local gossip circle and I chuckle madly at his dark snicker. "Wanda gave him a tongue-lashing and in public no less. I can imagine her fiery temper..."

Lucien's looking around and I try to follow his gaze, peering into the darkness, uncertain of what I'm supposed to be looking for. "No. I didn't hear anything." I strain, listening for something, anything but all I hear are crickets. Lucien's tension is catching and I stumble a bit as I try to quicken my pace. "It's likely an animal. We'll send Lannie to find it later. She's good at that."

I've managed to close the distance between us so I can now hear snatches of conversation carried back to me on the breeze. They talk of nothing...

I wonder if men would change their conversations if they knew it was going to be the last one they ever had?

I feel the twig under my shoe, but it snaps before I can pull my foot back. "Hear that?" "It's likely an animal..."

Oh, more than you know. Still, stealth is shot. Change of track, then.

"I'mmmmm 'Enery the aigth I am.... 'enery the aigth I am I am..." I sing under my breath, smiling like an idiot and weaving in my step as I approach the pair. "I got married to the widdow next dorr..." I get close enough so they can just make me out. I wave and pretend to stumble from the effort.

"A little lost... which way is Main from here?"

Iago stops and looks into the dark with me, making a joke about Lannie, but I wish I could appreciate the humor about it. Rather wish Lannie were here. Or Mab. Or even Wanda with her knives and sword.

A voice starts to come in bits and pieces through the dark, and as I strain to hear it...

"Are they singing Henry the Eight?" I ask Iago, and sure enough, a figure comes closer, unsteady on his feet as we are and singing, badly.

The man stops and gives a friendly wave which almost knocks him off his feet, and I can;t help but snicker a little.

"A little lost... which way is Main from here?"

Against my better judgement, I take a few steps towards him...

"Your that Underhill fellow, right?" I call over to him. "You work with Kaeli, you are the other teacher." I say aloud, finally placing the face. Oh fuck, if he's the school teacher, it'll be even worse for him to be caught stinking drunk.

"Come on, we're headed that way." I sigh and wave him over.

I hear a bit of noise and wonder if it's the opium playing tricks on me. Lucien's right though because that bit of noise blossoms into an off-key tune. "I believe it is Henry the Eighth." I listen to a bit more before commenting, "Damn, he's mangled the hell out it as well." I shake my head, muttering, "No respect for the classics."

A form stumbles from the darkness and I'm squinting at him, trying to place a name with his face. I don't believe I know him but as he only wants directions, I'm happy to oblige him as I make a random guess and point off to the right. "That way," I firmly say. Lucien's steadier than me it seems and he steps forward, exchanging words with the fellow as he waves him over.

"Kaeli?" I blink drunkenly before pointing to the left. "She's that way." At least I think she is. I ponder it a moment before pointing right again and saying, "Or perhaps that way." Lucien apparently knows the way, thank fuck. "Yes, of course. That way." I grin as I agree. "Come along then. Can't stumble around all night. There's more liquor to be had."

Lucien cautiously steps forward, and much to my consternantion recognizes me. One one way, it works to my advantage. Who wouldn't trust the mild mannered school teacher? In the other...

I may have to kill them both now.

The bartender tries to give directions, and it's lamentable, really. Lucien seems the more in control of the two and waves me over to them

"Come along then. Can't stumble around all night. There's more liquor to be had."

I weave my way to them, and lean heavily against the bartender. "More? Dear god there's more?" I slur and laugh. "No more for me. Had enough... I think. Went to the 'Chapel..." I turn to point and make as if the turning knocked my balance off. I plop down on my ass, ans start laughing again.

"Gimme... gimme a minute..."

Here's to betting that the doctor in Lucien can't help but what to help.

This is just ridiculous. Iago trying to be helpful at this point is like trying to swat a fly with a picnic table. Pinch the bridge of my nose as the drunken school teacher leans on the drunken bartender, but I have to admit...

this is rather funny, too. There was a comedy trio a long time ago... Manny, Moe and Jack?

"Went to the 'Chapel..." Annnnnnnnnd we're down. "Gimme... gimme a minute..."

I am laughing as I walk over and offer the man my hand. "I've heard long visits at the Whitechapel may have adverse effects..." As I lean over and my hand extends, my laughter fades away. Something's off...

"I don't smell alcohol on you."

The Underhill fellow doesn't seem to be in a rush to follow my directions but truly, I'm not quite sure he understood, as drunk as he is. He does understand about the liquor though and meanders his way over to me. He leans on me, laughing as he begins to tip over my delicate balance. I shift, trying to account for his extra weight and look in the direction he points at the same time. I manage to remain standing but my new companion isn't quite as lucky.

I shrug before suffering from another bout of giggles and isn't Lucien the kind one, because he's reaching down to help the fellow up. I get a hold of myself, raking the long hair out of my eyes as I hear Lucien say, "I don't smell alcohol on you."

Is that a joke? Lucien doesn't look amused and I blink, confused by his lack of humor as I ask, "What?"

Lucien's laughing, and as I figured he would do, he walks over with hand extended.

"You're a true gentleman my---" I chuckle, reaching out for his arm with one hand as the other reaches for the knife in my boot when he stops cold.

"I don't smell alcohol on you." Our eyes meet. His are bloodshot, but there's a clarity there I did not count on. This just made things more difficult.

"What?" With something between a sigh and a growl, I retract my hand and run it through my hair.

"Well then. I should explain myself..." I give Lucien a sheepish grin...

then leap up and tackle him.

Iago stops as I do, and the Underhill fellow looks...

there's something so damn familiar about him!

"Well then. I should explain myself..." He tries to smile, but it's more off putting than comforting. I take a step back---

And have the find knocked out of me when his body connects with mine and we go tumbling backwards. "What the hell???" I manage to yell at him, but then his hands are around my throat, and yelling becomes more squeaking for Iago as I try to beat the deranged man off of me.

How things have changed so quickly, I don't yet understand but suddenly everyone's changed their positions but me. The drunk fellow's charged Lucien and they're both down on the ground. I hear a voice yelling out but whether it's Lucien or Underhill, I can't tell. What the fuck is going on?

"...Lucien?"

He doesn't reply, not unless strangled squeaks count and I stagger two steps towards them, trying to shake off the fuzziness in my head as I move. Underhill's got both hands wrapped around Lucien's throat and I growl, displeased in so many ways. No one's going to randomly attack my friends without dire consequences indeed.

First things first though and I reach down, catching a hold of his clothing as I try to pull him off my friend. It's not working and Lucien's looking redder and redder by the moment. Probably the lack or air or something... Irritated, I kick Underhill and it moves him but unfortunately not off of Lucien. This isn't good and I'm beginning to feel the first trickles of true alarm.

Spying a branch on the ground, I pick it up and hit Underhill as hard as I can. "Get off him, asshole, or else!" Or else means I hit him again, and so I do. "Get off!"

My surprise attack catches Lucien off guard, and I am a little surprised that I have the advantage. We are of a build, maybe I am the slightly shorter of the two...

but I have the advantage of sobriety and necessity on my side, I suppose. I Manage to lock my fingers around Lucien's neck, and he wheezing in a pleasing way as I apply pressure to his windpipe.

Jerk suddenly when a boot connects to my side, but it's not enough to make me let go. Just squeeze harder. That brach connecting with my back on the other hand.... "Get off him, asshole, or else!" Oh damn, the alcoholic bartender is trying to gather his wits. Growl as the branch connects again. "Get off!"

Release Lucien's throat and turn to man brandishing the tree limb. "Fine. I suppose I shall have to get you out of the way first."

Leap off of Lucien's prone form and knock the branch from Iago's hand. "You have my attention, little man." I growl, advancing on him.

"Fine. I suppose I shall have to get you out of the way first."

He's drunk and violent and if working at the Tavern's taught me nothing else, then it's taught me how deal with people like him. I don't like his threat though and that way he's treated Lucien, well, I'll not stand for it.

He releases Lucien and I glance at him quickly before looking back to Underhill. Now that I have a clear view of him, it doesn't look like he's drunk at all. Well, fuck me. I'm still unsteady though and blaming the dragons again as I snarl at him, "I don't think so, bastard. You picked the wrong people tonight."

He's faster than me and as he tells me that I now have his attention, the branch is swatted from my grip. Shit, this could be going better but I'm not out of the match yet.

"Fuck you, prick. Come'n get some." He's moved towards me and I give him a tight smile before swinging at his face. Let's see how he likes that.

"I don't think so, bastard. You picked the wrong people tonight." The bravado would be amusing if I were back to myself and this were just for sport, but tonight's purpose is as serious as death.

"To the contrary, I picked the exact person I need." I smile easily as the branch goes sailing. I take a few more steps forward towards the bartender, but spare a glance back to Lucien---

Mistake. A human one. Iago's fist connects with my face. With force. The sharp pain explodes across my face, and there are flashes in my eyes. "Cursed human body!" I roar, clapping a hand over my what must now be broken nose. Another human mistake; the inebrated bartender gets in quite a few blows to my middle while I am re-setting my nose. He's lucky I am distracted, but I can tell he's not quite as sure on his feet, and although he has a hell of a punch, they are somewhat sloppy and slower than they should be.

"You drunken son of a bitch! That's quite enough!" I bellow, then take a swing at his jaw, it connects It's a lucky punch. Between the right placement and his condition, Iago spins around with the force of the blow. Bring my foot up and kick him in the lower back. He goes stumbling, then sprawling.

"Let's get you out of the way, shall we?" I pick up the tree branch, and take aim for the back of his head.

What the fuck is going on??? Underhill is off me, and I start gasping and dragging air into my lungs. My throat is on fire, and there's a pounding in my head, wait...

No, well, yes. My head is throbbing, but I hear fist meeting flesh. Manage to sit up, and I nearly fall back as the blood rushes to my head. But I do see the Underhill fellow bleeding and getting punched repeatedly. Oh good, something going right. I drag myself to my feet, only to see Iago get sucker punched. "Fuck, Iago!" I croak, and stumble towards them.

"Let's get you out of the way, shall we?"

"Get the fuck away from him!" Is that me yelling? God I should like shit, but it doesn't matter. I throw my full weight against this derranged bastard. We're both grappling and yelling as we go down, and when we land heavily, I feel a sharp, stinging pain that takes my breath away.

Shit, I just broke a rib, I think.

I am about to knock the fool unconscious when Lucien gets his second wind and comes after me. Good, now he's agitated and not thinking rationally at all.

His body slams into mine, and we go down. As we do, I reach my boot, and when we land, I let gravity take it's terrible course. As we land, Lucien lands right on my knife, and I feel the give of flesh, the warm ooze of blood on my hand.

Lucien winces at the pain, and his face registers that, and a bit of surprise. Meet his eyes again, and give him a smile.

"Believe me when I tell you this is not personal, Doctor Constantine." I whisper, then I roll him, pull the dagger from his chest, and then bury it in his gut, twisting it hard. Should only take him minutes to bleed out, if that. But just to be sure, I pull the blade out and raise my arm again, aiming for his neck this time.

It's late.
It's dark.

He's drunk and drugged.

And stumbling along the deserted river bank with the Tavern's bartender. Who is in worse shape than Lucien.

I doubt I will have a better chance than now.

Just need them to get a little farther down the river, where the bend curves away from the houses and the light...

Just a little bit further.

I'm not doing as well in this fight as I think I should be and after landing face-first in the turf, I'm royally pissed off.

I pick myself up and spit out dirt before glancing over my shoulder. Lucien's wrestling with Underhill and I make it to one knee, forcing myself to move faster than my body wants to. It's like swimming through molasses and when I finally make it to my feet, I'm rubbing my aching jaw. ...fucker, I'm going to break his nose a second time just for this.

I look over in time to see the two of them tumble down again. Lucien looks like he's doing better and I move forward, intent on pulling the lousy prick off my friend so I can follow through on that planned nose-breaking. I'm about to snarl at him when I see the unthinkable. Underhill's pulling a knife from Lucien's chest and I'm shocked to stillness as I watch in pure horror.

The blade plunges down, twisting viciously and almost immediately, Lucien's blood is quickly leaking out. There's so much of it.... No. NO!

As he raises the knife a second time, I charge the bastard, trying to knock it away by throwing all my weight at him. I have to get him away from Lucien. If Lucien dies, I don't know what I'll do so I have to stop this, and immediately, at that. A red haze of rage burns through my fogginess, lending me what I hope's an improved aim as I try to beat the shit out of the evil fucker that just stabbed Lucien.

Sick crunches sound under my pounding fists and goddamnit, I hope that was his nose again, and maybe a cheekbone or two as well. Whatever it was, I hope it hurts like hell. He fucking deserves it and I yell that at him before glancing quickly at Lucien. Fuckfuckfuck, he's not getting up. It's all this bastard's fault. I roar, stringing a long list of curses to match each hit I give him when suddenly there's another sickening crack, this one louder than any of the rest.

What did I do?

Our eyes meet as the pain blossoms in my chest. I know these eyes, I've never seen them before but I know them...

"Believe me when I tell you this is not personal, Doctor Constantine."

Oh God!

"You...?" Is all I can manage before Underhi--- Marbas rolls us and buries a knife in my stomach. Moaning in pain, I try to push him away, but it's so damn hard to breath and it hurts for fucks sake! and...

He's off, Iago's charged him and he's off, but there's blood in my mouth, and my hand shakily touchesmy stomach, and it's ripped pretty well and I shouldn't move and can't move and there's that pounding and I'm going to die tonight and...

"Iag...Iago..." Choke and cough up more blood and my vision's getting dim and I don't think he can hear me through his rage and

"get... Ia---- help...."

Edited 2012-04-04 11:54 (UTC)

"You?" Ah, he's made the connection. I hate to admit it, but it makes me feel badly about this. I did rather like the poor man.

"Sorry Lucien, boss' orders." I whisper, with what almost sounds like regret. I am about to slash his throat, but I pause to give him a small but sad smile. "It will be qui--"

My words are stolen as Iago tackles me to the ground. My instinct is to fight him off of course, but if he's focused on me, he won't be on Lucien. Which works to my advantage. Every second counts right now.

We grapple and roll, exchanging punches, but soon the bartender's rage over takes him, and I am now the recipient of quite a beating. Good thing I'll be able to heal myself soon. Otherwise, these broken ribs and this most likely shattered cheekbone would be quite the problem.

I can hear Lucien trying to rasp out to my assailant for help... and there's a small part of me, perhaps the part that held that respect for Lucien, that wants to tell Iago to go for help. It will be too late, of course... so I let myself go limp, and cause my eyes to roll back in my head. If he thinks me out cold, he'll fuss over Lucien, wasting time, then stumble off to get help. Any of those things will work to my advantage.

Underhill's finally stopped fighting but he's still breathing so I don't give him another thought as I stagger back to Lucien. I drop to my knees, horrified as I look first to his wound and then to his face. He's pale and there's blood on his mouth. Fuckfuckfuck. What am I going to do?

I fight the rising tide of panic while wracking my muddled brain for the right thing to do. Shedding my jacket, I remove my shirt, folding it quickly before pressing it to his wound. Perhaps I can staunch it in time but I'm far out of my depth. He's coughing, choking and there's a frightening amount of blood on his hands and mine. His eyes are beginning to lose focus and I cry out, trying to regain his attention.

"Lucien! Look at me!" This is bad, truly terrible and I do my best to ignore any echoes of the past in the here and now. "You have to hang on." Please don't die! "I need to get some help but since you're the doctor..." Fuck me. "I need to get someone else."

But who? I could get Verdandi. She could handle this ...unless she comes up with that 'it's his time' bullshit. She does like him though... There's the Abbey as well. Perhaps they could help but the wound's ugly. ...I don't know. He's ashen with a faraway stare. He's barely breathing as well and whatever I'm going to do has to happen immediately. A crazy thought occurs to me.

"Lucien! Don't you fucking die on me! I'll be right back!"

I pick myself up and run as fast as I can, hoping that I'm not already too late.

Edited 2012-04-04 19:20 (UTC)

Iago's yelling and pressing his shirt against me, but I barely feel it...

so far, he's so far away...

"I need to get some help but since you're the doctor... I need to get someone else." That's funny... I think I am laughing, but it's more a gurgle... doesn't hurt that much, anymore... colder, it got colder out...

Iago's babbling again, and he's threatening me not to die... whats he gonna do if I die... kill me...? Ha ha hahahaha

"'ll... wait... here..." I try to call out to his retreating back... cough up more blood...

Alone...

Iago does exactly as I thought he would. Soon enough he runs off, and I manage to crawl my way over to Lucien. I am hurting rather badly, but it is lessening by the moment.

Lucien's eyes are glazed but they still move about, and his lips move, but there's no words, just gurgling and a wheeze. The dagger's right there, I can finish it off...

but instead I take his hand. "I am sorry Lucien. I am... I tried to keep you safe... He knew that. That you were my weakness..." I know it makes no matter to him. "You're a good man, Lucien Constantine. The Light knows that, and will welcome you." His lead lolls and he looks at me. I swear he almost smiles. I smile back. I shall stay, until the end.

It's not more than two minutes, if that... The death rattle comes, the body gives one long violent shudder...

And then it's over. He's still. He's gone. I sigh, and reach out to coax his eyes closed. "Rrrrrrruhe in Frrrrrieden mein Frrrrrreund" Oh... ohhhh....... yessssssssssss......

I had wondered, would I have to grovel, would He make me wait? No... oh, like a fire sweeping a dead forest, my powers come washing back over me. Like a cloak, I shake off this broken, bloodied, human form, my demonoid form aflame, my wings unfurled behind me.

I throw back my head and trumpet my return to myself, a roar that echoes up the river, to the Town, to the Tower, to my Lady and babe in our garden....

And when the day comes, I'll become the sky, and I'll become the sea... and the sea is coming to kiss me, for I am going home..."

I understand that Marbas is talking, but it's Wanda's voice I hear, from somewhere far off, whispering melodically, calling me away from this, away from the pain, and the cold... and I follow her voice, for it's warm, and it's familiar and it's...

home.

The night has turned to day, the breeze soft and cool, the scent of flower and fern and far off snow. The path leads to a small village, one I know well, and remember. I was happy here, once... and I could be again, I already am...

I'm home! I'm going home..."

Edited 2012-04-05 01:37 (UTC)

Summer has been lovely. I hadn't realized how much I missed the fresh air and grass between my toes until that first warm spring day. Every day since reminds me of the first. They keep getting better and better.

Anushka is dancing in my dreams tonight, laughing and free. I can't not join her, not when she's taking my hands. No burns, just warmth and grass and free-- Ouch. I wince, at the sharp pain.

Not laughing now, she kisses the top of my head, "We'll dance again, precious," she whispers, slipping away.

"No!" I cry out reaching into the empty room, pain throbbing in my stomach and a coldness creeping up from my feet. "What in the world?" I say, feet touching the floor.

Looking out the window towards town, everything looks like it should, but the pain sharpens a little more. Lucien's office is in that direction. If someone was brought in feeling like this, he might need my help.

Grabbing a coat to cover my nightgown, I bolt out the door, running toward Luciens' office. I'm part of the way there when I see a distant figure heading toward me in a staggering run.

The cold freezes my throat and I hope I can still scream if it comes to that. No reason to slow down, though.

In the dim light, I spy a shadowed figure moving towards me at a brisk pace. Perhaps Underhill had a partner, someone to cover his ass and they're only just arriving now. I don't give a shit. No one's getting in my way tonight and I continue forward, staggering only occasionally. As the figure comes closer, I realize my fears are unfounded because I recognize who it is almost immediately.

"Kaeli!" I slow down as I catch up to her. Last time we met, she was quite displeased with me but it's been some time. Perhaps she's forgotten. That would be convenient, and if the rumors about her are true then she might be able to do better than I ever could. "Lucien's dying, over there." I point frantically down the road. "Can you help him? We need to hurry!"

I barely have time to recognize who it is running toward me, I'm a little relieved when I hear my name called out.

"Kaeli!"

Oh.. its him. He stinks of some drink I don't recognize. I shake my head more patiently than I really feel, "Mr. Ferdis, I don't have time..." "Lucien's dying, over there. Can you help him? We need to hurry!"

"Dying?" It feels like the world just flipped. I run, in the direction Iago pointed, down the street, past, around buildings until I feel grass beneath my feet.

Almost jump from my skin at the roar that rips through the air. A storm of fire so strong I trip and fall to my knees.

Marbas?

Marbas. Maybe he's helping Lu.... I look up, through bleary eyes I see him standing there, doing nothing?!

"Help HIM!" I yell, stumbling my way to Lucien. He's not breathing. NO, Gods, nonononono.

The world stops for a minute, I remember when we met, that handshake that burned and shocked us both. The easy smile and kindness never spared. He was the only one to make light of that horrible thing I woke from the grave. Besides Anushka, the only one who understood and it was okay.

And now he's...

Please, God's, no. Not him too.

I feel her before I see her, the spark of pure light running through the dark.

"Help HIM!" Kaeli shouts at me, all but falling on top of him.

"I cannot. My Lord knew I would want to, and has forbade it. It is no longer my place to heal..."

Look at the poor, dead wretch at my feet.

"And it is no longer his. Mores the pity..." Shake my head, there is more I could say, maybe more I want to, but I can feel my Lady and My CeCe calling to me.

"I am sorry, healer." And it is truth. Without another word, I launch myself into the night.

Kaeli's run ahead of me and by the time I stagger back, she's already down by his side. But that's not what has my attention. No, no. It's the winged man made of fire that has me worried. I creep over to Lucien, checking for a pulse. There's none and I shove Kaeli aside to press my ear to Lucien's bloodied chest. Nothing. NO!

I'd do something against this creature but before I can decide what might injure a fiery demon, he takes off. Into the air. Now I've seen everything.

I turn, reaching over to pull Kaeli close. "Can you do something for Lucien?" If she can, I swear I'll be nice to her. I gesture to the where Underhill the fiery demon stood. "And who the fuck was that?"

It is no longer his place? I blink, stunned. And then I'm pushed aside.
"Can you do something for Lucien?"

Can I? The one I would ask is gone. It's no longer his place. Lucien's body is not yet cold. "I don't... I don't know," I say softly, placing my hand on Lucien's chest. There is no steady beat, blood no longer flows. I think of the dead rage filled thing in the cemetery and shiver at the thought.

Lúgh, is he with you now? Was it really his time? Would you have let it happen if it wasn't? They sat back and let so much happen. Like we were play things, only good for their amusement. He deserved better than this. He helped so many. It hasn't been that long, and there is not a god here to boost or save me now. I don't think it will be enough. But I have to try. I can't not.

Warmth flows from my hand like tea from a pot. The first flutter of his heart. I draw my hand back quickly and wait for a response. A sharp intake of breath, a moan. Nothing. My stomach begins to ache again, but the more I let flow into him, the more it subsides until it's gone.

A swoon rushes over me. So much so that I am grateful for Iago at my side. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I would still be kneeling here. My focus stays on Lucien, praying it's not too little or too late. My eyes lids get heavy as everything begins to wane. "No," I murmur, feeling Iago sway and shake. Its not enough. Is it his time?

Everything feels steady again. Just enough to open my eyes a little,directing it from Iago, to me, to Lucien. I hope it's enough. It will have to be for now, I don't have anything left.

I'm staring at Kaeli, waiting for her reply. If she can't do anything for him, I'm dragging him to the Tavern, consequences be damned. Verdandi'll know if it's Lucien's time or not and then I'd know for sure. I don't want to lose someone I care for, certainly not one that's actually been accepting of me as opposed to just saying so.

"I don't... I don't know."

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to find patience in myself as I don't want to snap at her, especially if she can do something for him. I make another plea to whomever might be listening, promising more on top of being nice to Kaeli in exchange for Lucien's life.

"Try anyway, Kaeli. This is Lucien we're talking about, not me." She may not be my friend but Lucien's on good terms with most everyone and hopefully that will spur her on to do something helpful. "...please."

I shift aside, keeping close to both of them as I watch her lay both hands on Lucien's still chest. She's concentrating and I'm taking that as a good sign but when she shakes her head, it's not encouraging. She''s not done yet though and I sigh half in relief as she leans forward, obviously trying again.

I place my hand on hers atop Lucien's chest, wishing for her success with all my will. Muttering to myself or perhaps to her, I say, "C'mon Kaeli. You can do it." And she does, paling while leaning forward and clutching at Lucien's red-stained shirt. I catch her around the waist, holding her steady as she continues to concentrate and I continue to silently plead.

The excitement and terror of this whole horrific situation must be finally getting to me because I'm feeling awfully sick to my stomach, worse than before, and light-headed as well. Kaeli's still focused on her task though so I try to keep doing my part of holding her up but it's becoming harder and harder to do. He's still not breathing and at this point, I'm having a difficult time with that myself.

I open my mouth to speak but suddenly and without warning, every nerve in my body is on fire. I try to catch my breath but I can't seem to find the strength. This can't be happening and immediately I try again. What the fuck? Maybe Underhill hurt me worse than I originally thought and fuck me, I don't need this on top of everything else. My chest aches terribly though and I pull at my ruined t-shirt.

But I can't distract her. She needs to fix Lucien first and then maybe, I'll ask about myself. The world shifts and if I was on fire before, then now I'm most certainly freezing. Blood roars in my ears and the night's gone white-bright with black edges. I fall back, laying down because it feels like the best thing to do and shit, I hope Kaeli's doing better than I am. Lucien too, and perhaps if I close my eyes, I'll be able to ignore how badly I hurt inside.

I try to take another breath but can't and had I more energy, I'd likely panic. Maybe I'm dying. Is this what it feels like? Glass is definitely going to be pissed, and I'm sorry I didn't get to tell her I love her once more. Our child will never know me either. God, this sucks. I guess I won't be at work tomorrow either. Someone needs to tell Verdi...

I must be hallucinating because I hear Verdi laughing and what the fuck's so funny, bitch... More laughter and it doesn't fit in with anything, not with the blood, not with this night and certainly not with me or Lucien. It's not your time... I hear another voice whisper, "No," before the pain sizzles through me, fast as lightning and twice as bad as anything I've felt yet. When the cold finally returns, I don't mind so much anymore and exhausted beyond words, I close my eyes.

I am smiling as I take the winding path down from the mountain fields towards the hamlet, perhaps even whistling. My steps are light, my heart is light...

everything is light. Lighter than I have ever been. It occurs to me that I should be concerned about... something? Someone? Devil if I can remember, and I am not really bothered to try to. Just keep walking homewards...

There is a arbor ahead, right in the center of the path, and someone is there. They look familiar... like I should know them... her? Them... the figure keeps shimmering in my vision, even as I draw nearer. Familiar, yes... Just a few more yards and I'll---

It shoots right through me, the pain in my chest. White hot and sharp. I fall to my knees, clutching it, gasping. "But it hurts there...where I was..." I moan and the fire spreads through me. Not like before, when there was fire, this is different, but it still hurts. The light grows stronger, bleaching the fields and the town and the gate starts to fade from view and I smell apples and stoudt and there's more light and someone laughing and people calling me back as the white overcomes all and ---

I gasp, eyes flying open as my lungs fill with air and my heart thumps hard in my chest. I try to sit up, but it doesn't happen. Finding moving very painful, hell! Breathing is painful but---

Breathing. I wasn't! I was--- Marbas--- Oh God... IAGO!

"Iago?" I croak, trying to move my head at the least. "Iago, you there?" Oh God, answer me!

There's a loud ringing in my ears and I guess I must still be alive. How nice for me. A young and tragic death is not what I was hoping for for myself. Lucien either, and I wonder how Kaeli did. Someone's calling for me and I groan, hand on my head.

My throat feels like it's full of shards and I manage to say, "Yeah, I'm here." It occurs to me that the voice talking to me is not female and mustering a miniscule amount of excitement, I ask, "Lucien?" I pick myself up enough to lean back on my elbows and continue, "Goddamn, it's good to see you awake and alive again."

He looks like a bloody mess and I smile wide at how bad he looks. He looks like I feel. and I say, "You look like death warmed over, which is alright I suppose, since you did die." Kaeli's body is laying across his and I cheerfully continue, "Look at what you did. You wore Kaeli out. Me too." My grin returns and I add, "I always knew you had it in you."

Still feel heavy, like there's a slab on my chest, but I chuckle/cough in relief when I hear Iago's voice.

"You look like death warmed over, which is alright I suppose, since you did die."

Groan at that a little, only because trying to laugh hurts like a son of a bitch. "Fuck, again? Wasn't that much fun the first time around..." I am sure I will laugh about this more later.

"Look at what you did. You wore Kaeli out. Me too. I always knew you had it in you."

"Kaeli?" I rasp out, and raise my arm to touch my chest, coming in contact with hair. "Oh, so that's why I can't move." I wonder idly is Marbas called her, or if Iago had the wits about him to remember she could heal. "Kaeli, you are a lifesaver..." Chuckle a little now at my own bad joke. "Thank you for thinking of this before I turned into a shambling zombie..." Laugh now, at our private joke about that, and wait for her to join me.

But she doesn't.

"Kaeli?" I shake her a little, but still no response. "Iago... little help here?" Shit, SHIT, SHIT!!!

"Fuck, again? Wasn't that much fun the first time around..."

My chuckle's cut short as I cough briefly. "Are you going for a record? I say go for something else, something easier, like shark wrangling."

I mention Kaeli and as I hear him murmur to her, I take the opportunity to pick myself up a bit more. Gingerly, I make to my knees, panting from the exertion. This shouldn't be this difficult but it is and I wipe the dirt and sweat from my brow before glancing at Lucien and Kaeli.

"Iago... little help here?"

He gets a mock-glare before I shake my head and manage a weak laugh. Teasing, I say, "And here I was hoping you'd help me instead. You're fortunate you just died, otherwise I might insist you do your job." Reaching over to Kaeli, I check her pulse and grin at him. "She's alive, Lucien, and tougher than she looks, thank fuck."

Shifting her body off his, I gather her up and settle her next to him instead. He's piqued my curiosity with one of his comments and I ask, "What's this about shambling zombies? Do you two have hobbies I don't know about."

"And here I was hoping you'd help me instead. You're fortunate you just died, otherwise I might insist you do your job."

"Oh for fucks sake..." I moan. I doubt very much I could manage to unroll gauze, let alone make informed decisions about others mediccal care. Thankfully, Iago has enough in him to pull her gently off me and check her pulse.

"She's alive, Lucien, and tougher than she looks, thank fuck."

Once Kaeli's off, I find moving... well, not much easier, but something that can be attempted. I force myself to sit up and fuck ot hurts, but I have a feeling it should be hurting much more than it is. Check Kaeli's pulse myself, and find it relatively normal, maybe a tad weaker than I'd like, but it's there. I try to check her pupils, but it's too dark, dammit all.

"What's this about shambling zombies? Do you two have hobbies I don't know about."

"What? Oh... I am sure you heard about that." I say, trying to stand, but that's pushing it right now. Sitting is good. "Kaeli, Tez, a midnight trip to the graveyard. They re-animated a corpse, then your wife appeared with a shovel." Find I'm grinning over that. "I wasn't there, and sorry I missed it." Pat Kaeli's cheek. "C'mon, wake up and tell Iago about it." I coax, hoping she will... but she doesn't.

"We're gonna have to get her back to my office." I try to stand again, but merely plop back down on my ass. "Which may prove problematic."

It's a welcome sight to see Lucien moving again because truly, I don't know how I would've explained this to anyone. As it is, I still don't know. I ask about his comment regarding Kaeli and his answer pulls a weak laugh from me. "Glass and a shovel? I'm sorry I missed it as well." I grin because that hurts the least. "Being alive is better than being a zombie. Kaeli got it right this time."

My eyes dart over Kaeli's unconscious body and the rather impressive amount of blood around us. I look in the direction of Lucien's office and sigh heavily. "Problematic is one word for it." I cough a bit, trying to not laugh as Lucien falls back on his ass. "There's always crawling but if someone sees us, that'll take some explaining that we might not yet want to do."

I glance at Kaeli again. "She looks light though and I believe I could carry her. All I have to do is get up." It's not as easy as it sounds and my muscles and joints protest with every movement but eventually I stand, albeit a bit shakily but I'm standing nevertheless.

"Alright, I'm up. Need a hand?" I offer a hand up and say, "Lucien, how are we going to explain this? And who should we tell, if at all?" I pause, pondering the possibilities. "Certainly Mab and the deputy, but beyond that... Glass?"

"Thank fuck Kaeli got it right. I think it all depends on how dead you... are we really having this discussion? Only in Excolo..."

Iago agrees that us moving ourselves is bad enough right now, let alone Kaeli. I mean... if we could fashion a sort of stretcher I suppose we could act as sled dogs... but he's right. How the fuck would we explain that, in conjunction with all the blood?

"She looks light though and I believe I could carry her. All I have to do is get up." I watch him dubiously, but color me shocked; he gets to his feet.

"Need a hand?" I wave it away. "No, if you can do it, I suppose I can get my sorry ass off the ground. Besides, I'm heavier than you think..." Groan loudly, and I must look ridiculous; but I manage it. I'd hate to have pulled you back down." I sigh, pushing bloodied hair from my eyes.

"Lucien, how are we going to explain this? And who should we tell, if at all? Certainly Mab and the deputy, but beyond that... Glass?"

"Glass? I mean... she see the raising of the dead or the meddling in the affairs of a corpse a massively bad thing. She may get pissed off that Kaeli managed to bring me back. And trust me; I. Was. Dead."

Look around, somewhere between glad no one's found us and irritated no one heard us. "Can't explain the why of what just happened... but the who? That just happened to be the demon I got yanked out of me. We'll have to tell Mab that Mr. Underhill, should he show his face again, should be shot on sight." Like that will work. Rub my face, feeling beyond exhausted.

"C'mon. Let's get Kaeli back to my place. Between the two of us I think we can manage it. Each of us take an arm, carry her upright between us?"

I'm quite pleased to see Lucien on his feet and if I have anything to do with it, it'll be as short a time as possible. This night's been like no other and I ask his opinion regarding who should be told this incredible misadventure, Glass in particular. Lucien's not eager to share and truly, I understand exactly what he's talking about and as much as I'd want to tell her, it's not worth the resulting trouble.

Nodding in agreement, I say, "I'll follow your lead and perhaps Kaeli might not suffer undue stress. As for Underhill, yes, telling Mab should be first." I'm exhausted but I certainly can't be worse off than Lucien and I heft Kaeli up, leaning most of her weight on me before saying, "I believe if we go slowly, I'll be able to carry her and more so, if you can manage yourself, we should make it." I stagger a step or two but regain my balance before trudging back to Lucien's office.

After what seems like an eternity, we make it to his front steps and I try not to pant overly much before saying, "Mind opening the door for me? And I'm claiming dibs on the couch as this is my last stop tonight."

"Don't get me wrong, I don't not want to tell Glass, and I don't think we should hide it from her..." I curse under my breath and shake my head. "Let's re-examine this tomorrow, when I'm not so..." Wave my hand. "When thinking doesn't hurt. We can go to Mab's tomorrow."

I help Iago get a still unconscious Kaeli off the ground, and I am eternally gratefully when he takes the lions share--- I really don't care for that turn of phrase right now--- when he take's most of the burden on himself.

We do go slowly, and I find I have to help Iago steady himself and Kaeli more than once. Finally, oh thank you whoever still likes me! the office is there and we've made it!

"Mind opening the door for me? And I'm claiming dibs on the couch as this is my last stop tonight."

It takes a few fumbles and a lot of cursing, but I manage to get my key into the lock and open it. "You can have the bed. She get's the hospital bed in the room next to the office," I point to the dark room off to the left. "...and I'll take my couch in the office. I want to be near enough to hear her in case she wakes." Granted, I am not sure a stampede of elephants could wake me up after I drop into exhaustion.

We gingerly deposit Kaeli onto the hospital bed, and I grab a warmer blanket to cover her with. She'll be okay for about twenty minutes on her own, I'm sure.

I lean against the wall, and take a good look at both of them. They look like hell... I don't even want to imagine what I look like.

"I'm claiming first shower rights though." I say with a faint grin, then heading for the stairs and waving for him to follow.

I'd chuckle over Lucien's dilemma except that it's one I have myself and I say, "Don't worry about it now, Lucien. We'll chat about it later and decide how to handle it then. Honestly, it's a little more than I want to think about right now and I'm not thinking as clearly as I wish I were."

We make it inside after some stumbling and near-falls but my claim to the couch is challenged. I lay Kaeli on the hospital bed before asking in an amused tone, "Isn't Lannie in your bed? Does she come with your offer?" I chuckle before coughing lightly. "Fuck, I need something to drink. My throat's raw as hell and as loathe as I'm to say it, I'd like some water."

He heads off to the shower and if he hadn't just dropped dead, I might argue with him. I don't have the energy though, not after our mini-trek and armed with nothing but my stellar sense of humor, I say, "Your house so you get to shower first but I'm next. I feel like shit anyway so I'll just lay here for a bit 'til you get back."

Iago points out there might be a Lannie in my bed, and I almost groan at that. "Shit, not used to having someone in it on a nightly basis." God these steps seem steep...

"Kitchens that way. Water, juice...whatever you want." I wave towards the kitchen and go into the bedroom. Lannie isn't here, and maybe it's for the best. Can barely think, imagine trying to explain this to your girlfriend who can turn into a wolf when pissed off.

Stip off the ruined clothes and start the shower. Clothes my eyes so I can pointedly ignore the water running red off of me. Finally realize I am snoring when I choke on the water getting into my mouth. Right. In long enough. Get out, dry off, find a pair of sweat pants...

and Iago is snoring away in the overstuffed chair that serves as a couch. Lean over and shake his shoulder; me wet hair dripping on his face.

"Your turn. No Lannie, so feel free to drop in the bed once you're done."

No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.

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